It’s been a long time in the works, but The People’s Pension: The Struggle to Defend Social Security Since Reagan will be available from booksellers by approximately mid-March. The worthy folks at AK Press are bringing out my book, which traces the 30-year war against Social Security and the struggle to defend it. You can find out more about the book here. The People’s Pension is the only book that covers this crucial slice of U.S. history, from the beginning of the war under Reagan right up to the present.

I’ll be posting more news about the launch of People’s Pension: The Book (to those of you who’ve been reading this off-and-on blog for some time) as it’s available. Possibly even more exciting is the kick-off of my tour to promote the book and to bring the real story of the politics of Social Security – and Medicare, and social insurance, and the enduring principle of mutual aid – to the people, starting in mid-April. I’ll be traveling the country – and even places in Canada – and welcome the suggestion if you’d like me to bring this very high-class dog-and-pony show to a bookstore or other venue near you.

Social Security is a huge topic that touches on and reflects almost every aspect of American politics and even foreign policy. Needless to say, it is also crucially connected to everyday people’s fight for economic equality and a decent life. It never goes away, because the campaign against it is tremendously well funded and patient – and the people who need and defend it are so doggedly persistent.

That’s why I started this blog. We’ve just seen Washington grind almost to standstill over the Obama administration’s push to extend its payroll tax holiday. This fight will go on and on, even as politicians debate whether the promises behind Social Security should even be kept (the answer may be obvious to us, but not necessarily to them). I’ve tried to tell the whole story in The People’s Pension (the book) and I hope it helps everyone to understand what’s at stake and the complicated politics that have swirled around Social Security for so long.

1 Comment

Eric, so excited for you. If you have Northern California on your tour itinerary, I’d love to host an event at my house. I have hosted a local authors’ series in my home and partnered with a local bookstore to sell books (unless you want to sell your own). Would love to see you here! Congrats!